“I’m never going to get enough of you, Harleigh. I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do when you go home.”
And just like that reality hits me like a bucket of cold water. I’m going home in about three weeks’ time. What will happen then?
I take in a deep breath, let it out slowly, and decide to speak my mind. One thing I love about Giovani is that he never judges anything I say. He’s supportive, and for me, that’s the biggest plus side. I’ve never had a relationship where the man has listened to me, put me first, and encouraged me to be me.
“I’m growing fond of you, too, Giovani.” I look up from his chest and see him watching me closely. “We’ve not got long left before I go home.”
“Then what, beautiful?”
I shrug. Tears fill my eyes and I look away from Gio’s intense stare.
“Hey…” Gio pushes me onto my back and hovers above me. “Don’t cry. We’ll figure out something. All I know is, I’m not ready to say goodbye to you. I don’t think I ever will be.”
“It’s scary, because I never thought I’d find myself in this position again. To be here with you, to trust you, it has taken guts. But the confidence I’ve gained in myself is something else. I think I like the person you make me.”
“I’m glad you’ve noticed a difference in yourself, baby. I’ve noticed the difference too, and I love the person I’m seeing. I loved the person I crashed into on your very first day too. I think our broken souls connected in a way I’ve never felt before.”
“Crazy, huh?”
“It is, but I’m looking forward to the next three weeks we have together. We’ve got so much more to see and explore.”
“It must be boring for you, because you’ve seen it all before.”
He shakes his head. “I’m seeing it with fresh eyes, Harleigh. It’s like I can see again for the first time in such a long time. I have no barriers up to protect me. You have my heart and soul in your hands.”
“I better not squeeze too hard then.” I smile.
“Squeeze as hard as you like, just don’t break me.”
“Never.” I reach up and capture his mouth with mine.
And in just a few days, my world has turned on its axis, but for the first time in my life, it’s for a good reason. This holiday and meeting Giovani seems like it’s too good to be true. As exciting as it is, I’m constantly thinking that something is going to tear it all away from me.
Good things don’t happen to me… ever.
Chapter 20
Giovani
Another glorious week has passed with Harleigh by my side. We’ve spent every spare minute together, enjoyed each other’s company, and made love so many times I can’t even count. I like it. No, I fucking love it. Having this connection with another person is euphoric. Even more so, because I had given up on love a long time ago. I believed I was destined to be businessman of the year for the rest of my life. I never expected to have a need to share my life with another woman.
Spending every moment with Harleigh has changed me. Having breakfast, lunch, and dinner together, waking up beside her, smelling her coconut shampoo. I can even tell you how many lines she has on her face, because I’ve studied her beautiful features when she was sleeping. I can hear the little whimpering noises she makes when she’s in a deep sleep. Every detail is engraved into my memory. I will never forget one moment we spend together.
Today, I had to take care of paperwork and Harleigh went to the beach on her own to read and soak up some rays. I think I’ve tired her out lately - and not just with the sightseeing - not that either of us is complaining. The last ten days has showed us both that we can’t go back to life as we once knew it. Things need to change forever. This relationship can’t be over at the end of her holiday. I won’t let it.
“Hi, sweetheart,” says my mum, as she places a plate of sandwiches down in front of me. “Roast beef and English mustard. Still your favourite, right?”
“Hi. Thanks. Yes, still my all-time favourite. I never heard you come home.”
I look back at my house, but my father isn’t anywhere in sight. Usually, where one is, the other isn’t far behind.
“I didn’t want to disturb you. You looked so busy with work. Your father went for a nap, so I thought I’d make sure you’re eating and keeping hydrated,” she sits down beside me at the table. “Someone needs to take care of you boys. You work too hard.”
I put down the pen and take a bite of my sandwich. I didn’t realise how hungry I was until I smelt the delicious salad decorating my plate.
“I’m perfectly capable of looking after myself, Mum. But, thank you. You saved me a job.” I smile at my mother warmly.
My mother has always been the perfect mother, cooking and cleaning for us, teaching us right from wrong, and shaping us into the men we are today. Even now I have my own life away from home, she still takes care of me when she comes to visit. In fact, she spends most of her time in my kitchen, trying to entice me back home to Italy with all her delicious Italian food and recipes. I must put on several pounds every time she visits.
